5 WWE Legends who could retire soon

Professional wrestlers are no different from other sports athletes in that both eventually have to retire. WWE has an arduous and rigorous working schedule where Superstars are expected to work all year long. In addition, consider the life-threatening injuries and the physical toll wrestling takes on one's body, and suddenly, professional wrestlers appear as superhumans.

Currently, there are a handful of veterans that are active competitors on the WWE roster. Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Jeff Hardy and Big Show are fitting examples of such veterans. On the contrary, some veterans have transitioned into a part-time role. This list includes names like Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Edge, and Triple H.

Several bonafide legends have retired in the past few years; Sting announced his retirement during his Hall of Fame induction in 2016, Kurt Angle wrestled his final match against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, Batista followed suit on the same night when he lost his final match to Triple H. Most recently, The Undertaker hung up the boots three weeks ago, breaking character in his critically acclaimed "Last Ride" documentary to formally announce that his Boneyard match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 was probably his last.

With that in mind, let's take a look at 5 WWE legends who could hang up their boots soon.

---

#5 Big Show

Big Show is currently in a feud with Randy Orton.

The Big Show is still one of WWE's most trusted and reliable veterans. Vince McMahon can always count on The World's Largest Athlete at all times. He appears sporadically but has wrestled more often than part-timers like Brock Lesnar and Triple H.

Although Big Show is currently involved in a program with Randy Orton, he hasn't been featured in a prominent role on WWE programming since early 2016. The Giant appears every few months to deliver a Knockout punch and keeps switching between heel and babyface.

In late 2018, Big Show signed a new WWE contract, while suggesting that he doesn't plan to retire anytime soon. However, it must be noted that the contract ends soon after 2020. When his deal ends, he may not re-sign as an in-ring performer. Moreover, WWE wanted Big Show to have a farewell match at WrestleMania 36, however, that didn't come to fruition.

He has taken on a career in acting, performing leading roles in quite a few TV shows and movies. Moreover, he has accomplished everything a WWE Superstar can dream of.

#4 Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio could be on his way out of WWE.

Rey Mysterio has received a great amount of television time lately as his rivalry with Seth Rollins has put him in the spotlight once again. But judging by the way the program has evolved, the whole saga seems like a way of familiarizing the WWE Universe with Dominic Mysterio, who has been a pivotal part of this storyline too. Rey Mysterio is scheduled to battle Rollins in an "Eye for an Eye" match at Extreme Rules.

A report emerged a few weeks ago, clearly stating that Mysterio was working without a contract. His previous deal with WWE has ended, and the masked luchador hasn't signed a new one. When Mysterio re-signed in 2018, he came intending to have one last good run in WWE before hanging up the boots for good. Hence, retirement seems to be on the horizon.

It seems as if the high-flyer is preparing for life without wrestling. The most likely reason for him sticking around is to help his son Dominic out in his initial days at WWE. His career does warrant a Hall of Fame induction as he has put laid his body on the line for the fans. It would be difficult to watch a fan-favorite like Mysterio retire, but retirement is an unfortunate reality for every WWE star.

#3 Kane

Kane has transitioned into a part-time role.

Kane is one of the few individuals to have had considerable success in the wrestling industry, the film industry and the world of politics. The man behind the persona of "The Big Red Monster", Glenn Jacobs, is currently working as the Mayor of Knox County. Owing to his hefty political responsibilities, his appearances in WWE have become quite rare since late 2018. Kane has appeared sporadically for one-night appearances but has stayed out of key storylines.

Kane is 53 years old; he is no longer the physical specimen that he once was. Given his political career and age, he doesn't have much gas left in the tank. The seven-foot monster is at the tail-end of his wrestling career. Kane's last wrestling match was in November 2018 at Crown Jewel, where he teamed up with his on-screen half-brother, The Undertaker, to take on Shawn Michaels and Triple H.

Moreover, Kane claimed that he would never leave WWE and hinted at semi-retirement. He also wanted one last match with Undertaker, but that probably won't happen.

One of the most prolific Royal Rumble match competitors and a multi-time World Champion, Kane is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. Although he is often overshadowed by his brother, Kane is an all-time great in WWE.

#2 Triple H

Triple H hasn't competed in the ring since June 2019

Triple H is a fourteen-time World Champion, two-time Royal Rumble winner, a former King of the Ring and IC Champion. The Game has also led three of the most dominant factions in WWE history: Evolution, D-Generation X, and The Authority. Since 2010, he has taken on a part-time wrestling role, while assuming a significant executive role backstage. Triple H has a huge say in the creative input for RAW, SmackDown Live, and NXT.

In an extremely methodical manner, The Cerebral Assassin has moved out of the spotlight, focusing primarily on his backstage role. He hasn't stepped into the ring since WWE Super-ShowDown in June 2019, where he lost to arch-rival and friend, Randy Orton. Moreover, for the first time in 12 years, Triple H was left off the card of WrestleMania. The absence could be attributed to the ongoing pandemic, but the primary reason was that WWE could do without him this year. This clearly shows that The Game is no longer a top priority as an in-ring performer. He has also teased retirement in the past.

The Game is no stranger to injury; his in-ring career has been deeply affected by concussions, neck injuries, torn quads, and pectoral injuries. He has gone under the knife far too many times. Triple H is soon going to hang up his boots.

#1 John Cena

The Champ 's Hollywood career has taken off.

John Cena has become a big-time star in Hollywood. The most polarizing WWE star of the 21st century has starred in several blockbusters. At the same time, his role in WWE has diminished in stature and importance. Although he does still step into the ring every once in a while, his career is winding down and he may be on his way out of WWE.

Most recently, Cena was demolished by 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 36 in the first-ever Firefly Fun House match. The fact that one of WWE's most protected stars in Cena was man-handled by Bray Wyatt suggests that he is stepping away from the spotlight and paving the way for the new crop of talent. The 16-time World Champion has explained in depth that he cannot carry on his Hollywood commitments and professional wrestling career simultaneously.

John Cena's busy filming schedule has created uncertainty over his wrestling career. When Cena does return to WWE, it's usually only for a handful of shows. As his acting career progresses, his chances of winning that historical 17th World Championship become thinner. Even though he may still be extrememly polarizing, the fans respect and revere him like no other. Cena will retire soon, but his legacy will always remain intact.